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| United States Patent |
5,213,562
|
|
Monroe
|
May 25, 1993
|
Method of inducing mental, emotional and physical states of
consciousness, including specific mental activity, in human beings
Abstract
A method having applicability in replication of desired consciousness
states; in the training of an individual to replicate such a state of
consciousness without further audio stimulation; and in the transferring
of such states from one human being to another through the imposition of
one individual's EEG, superimposed on desired stereo signals, on another
individual, by inducement of a binaural beat phenomenon.
| Inventors:
|
Monroe; Robert A. (Nelson County, VA)
|
| Assignee:
|
Interstate Industries Inc. (Faber, VA)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
514460 |
| Filed:
|
April 25, 1990 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
600/28; 600/545 |
| Intern'l Class: |
A61M 021/00 |
| Field of Search: |
600/26-28
128/731-732,905
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
| 2466054 | Apr., 1949 | Siebel.
| |
| 3160159 | Dec., 1964 | Hoody et al.
| |
| 3576185 | Apr., 1971 | Schulz et al.
| |
| 3712292 | Jan., 1973 | Zentmeyer, Jr.
| |
| 3753433 | Aug., 1973 | Bakerich et al.
| |
| 3826243 | Jul., 1974 | Anderson.
| |
| 3837331 | Sep., 1974 | Ross.
| |
| 3884218 | May., 1975 | Monroe | 600/28.
|
| 4034741 | Jul., 1977 | Adams et al.
| |
| 4141344 | Feb., 1979 | Barbara.
| |
| 4227516 | Oct., 1980 | Meland et al.
| |
| 4335710 | Jun., 1982 | Williamson.
| |
| 4573449 | Mar., 1986 | Warnke.
| |
| 4834701 | May., 1989 | Masaki | 600/28.
|
| 5036858 | Aug., 1991 | Carter et al. | 128/732.
|
Primary Examiner: Cohen; Lee S.
Assistant Examiner: Lacyk; John P.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Sughrue, Mion, Zinn, Macpeak & Seas
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of inducing states of consciousness in human beings,
comprising:
providing a replicated electroencephalogram (EEG) waveform indicative of a
desired state of consciousness;
superimposing said EEG waveform on two separate sets of carrier waves using
stereo sound;
creating differential beat frequencies between said sets of carrier waves
in accordance with said superimposing step; and
providing the resulting signals in audio form to respective ears of a human
being, to induce said state of consciousness.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said creating step includes the
step of combining pink with said sets of carrier waves by shifting of said
pink sound with respect to said EEG waveform from one stereo audio channel
to another, with cyclic changes in amplitude, frequency, and rate of
panning.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein all of said steps are performed
repeatedly on a particular individual over a period of time so that the
individual is able eventually to reproduce said desired state of
consciousness without further audio stimulation.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein all of said steps are performed
using the EEG of one individual, but said applying step is carried out
with another individual, so as to transfer the desired state of
consciousness of one individual to another.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first providing step
comprises the step of providing a plurality of EEG waveforms, indicative
of different respective states of consciousness, and each of said
superimposing, creating, and second providing steps are performed with
each of said plurality of EEG waveforms.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second providing step
results in substantial synchronization of major portions of both brain
hemispheres of said human being.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of inducing various states of
consciousness in human beings. More particularly, the invention relates to
a method of inducing such states of consciousness through generation of
stereo audio signals having specific wave shapes which act as a carrier of
a binaural beat. The resultant binaural beat acts to entrain brain waves
into unique waveforms characteristic of identified states of
consciousness. The invention is applicable in areas of learning and
behavior replication as well as in the area of sleep inducement, and thus
represents a significant departure from and improvement over known
audio-based sleep inducement techniques, some of which will be discussed
below.
The binaural beat phenomenon was discovered in 1839 by H. W. Dove, a German
experimenter. Generally, this phenomenon works as follows. When an
individual receives signals of two different frequencies, one signal to
each ear, the individual's brain detects a phase difference or differences
between these signals. When these signals are naturally occurring, the
detected phased difference provides directional information to the higher
centers of the brain. However, if these signals are provided through
speakers or stereo earphones, the phase difference is detected as an
anomaly. The resulting imposition of a consistent phase difference between
the incoming signals causes the binaural beat in an amplitude modulated
standing wave, within each superior olivary nucleus (sound processing
center) of the brain. It is not possible to generate a binaural beat
through an electronically mixed signal; rather, the action of both ears is
required for detection of this beat.
FIGS. 1A and 1B show two superposed waves of different frequencies. FIG. 1C
shows the resulting wave, which has a clear beat phenomenon. Assuming the
two waves have equal amplitude but different respective frequencies
f.sub.1, f.sub.2, the combination of the two waves may be represented
mathematically as follows:
##EQU1##
The beat phenomenon arises from the variation in amplitude of a resulting
carrier frequency. Pulses appear every 1/2(f.sub.1 -f.sub.2), with two
maxima occurring each cycle, when cos(2.pi.)1/2[f.sub.1 -f.sub.2 ]=.+-.1.
That is, the beat frequency is simply f.sub.1 -f.sub.2, a result which
agrees with experience.
Known consciousness state inducing techniques have not used this binaural
beat phenomenon, but have relied on other techniques, as follows. For
example the use of audio generators to induce a state of consciousness
known as sleep is well known in the prior art, as exemplified by U.S. Pat.
No. 2,711,165 and 3,384,074. In one type of technique exemplified in these
patents, generated audio signals include pleasing and harmonious study
sounds or vibrations, fixed frequency signals which are buried cyclically
with respect to amplitude, and repetitive sounds such as the falling of
rain on the roof and the sighing wind through the trees.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,304,095 relates to a method of inducing sleep by generation
of an audible or tactual signal which is related to the physiological
process of heartbeat and respiration. In the disclosed method, the pitch
and amplitude of a pleasing audio signal are varied at a rate somewhat
slower than either the rate of heartbeat or the rate of respiration. As a
result, heartbeat and respiration tend to synchronize with the audio
signal, thus lowering heartbeat and respiration rates and inducing sleep.
Of course, there are other naturally-occurring sounds which have been
recorded, and which are not varied, but which instead induce a state of
relaxation which leads to sleep for a similar reason. For example, the
pounding of waves on a shore line occurs at a frequency generally lower
than that of heartbeat or respiration, and induces a state of relaxation.
The use of an electroencephalogram (EEG) as a research and diagnostic tool
has led to findings that particular brain wave patterns are indicative of
different states of consciousness. In 1934, researchers discovered that
brain waves, and their associated states of consciousness, could be
altered with repetitive visual stimulation at a known frequency, an effect
known as entrainment. Scientific interest in entrainment continued
throughout the 1960's. In the 1970's, numerous independent studies
repeatedly confirmed that rhythmic flashing lights rapidly entrained brain
waves.
A sonic equivalent of photic entrainment also is known, as disclosed for
example in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3,884,218, the inventor of
which is the inventor of the present application. This patent discloses a
method of inducing sleep in a human being by generating an audio signal
which is made up of a familiar pleasing repetitive sound modulated by
frequencies usually associated with an EEG sleep pattern. There are
different EEG patterns related to various levels or depths of sleep, and
it has been found that by modulating the repetitive sound with these
different sleep patterns, it is possible to induce various levels of
sleep. The inventor has coined the term frequency following response, or
FFR, to describe this phenomenon.
Other known techniques for inducing various states of consciousness, or for
performing brainwave analysis and related functions, are shown, for
example, in the following U.S. patents:
______________________________________
2,466,054 4,034,741 3,160,159 4,141,344
3,576,185 4,227,516 3,712,292 4,335,710
3,753,433 4,573,449 3,826,243 4,834,701
3,837,331.
______________________________________
The binaural beat phenomenon described above also can create a frequency
entrainment effect. If a binaural beat is within the range of brain wave
frequencies, generally less than 30 cycles per second, the binaural beat
will become an entrainment environment. This effect has been used to study
states of consciousness, to improve therapeutic intervention techniques,
and to enhance educational environments. However, the modulation of the
binaural beat signals with brain waves associated with particular
activities has not been attempted previously.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, it is one object of the invention to provide a
method of inducing states of consciousness by generating stereo audio
signals having specific wave shapes. These signals act as a carrier of a
binaural beat. The resulting beat acts to entrain brain waves into unique
waveforms characteristic of identified states of consciousness.
The method of the invention extends beyond the confines of the frequency
entraining concept, and incorporates waveform entrainment by altering the
wave shape of the binaural beat. Conventional binaural beat frequency
entrainment previously has been limited to conventional wave shapes, i.e.,
square triangular sinusoidal, or in some cases, the various musical
instruments. For example, it is known that radiant energy, such as sound
in this case, may be defined by its frequency, amplitude, and wave shape.
A musical note is a particularly suitable example of this. Generally, the
musical note A above middle C in the twelve tone diatonic scale is
assigned a frequency of 440 cycles per second. The amplitude of that note
is expressed as the loudness of the signal. However, the wave shape of
that note is related strongly to the instrument used. An A played on a
trumpet is quite different from an A played on a violin.
The similarity results from the distinct shapes of the waveforms of each
instrument. Similarly, human brain waves also have unique wave shapes,
wave contours which are neither sinusoidal, nor square, nor triangular,
nor like those of any musical instrument.
In accordance with the invention, human brain waves, in the form of EEGs,
are superimposed upon specific stereo audio signals, known as carrier
frequencies which are within the range of human hearing. Thus the
invention relates not only to techniques of generating the binaural beat,
but also to specific waveforms of the binaural beat in frequency,
waveshape, and amplitude, and most particularly to the source of the data
used to produce such waveforms.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A-1C show two waves at different frequencies, and the resulting
binaural beat, respectively;
FIGS. 2A-2D show an input wave, two stereo carrier waves as determined by
Fourier analysis, and the resultant binaural beat wave, which matches the
contour of the input wave;
FIGS. 3A-3B, 3C-3D, 3E-3F, and 3G-3H are pairs of graphs showing a normal
waking EEG and FFR responses in different signal ranges, respectively; and
FIGS. 4A-4F show topographic brain maps of the neocortex of a subject in a
normal waking state, and after listening to a binaural beat sound pattern.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As will be discussed below, different regions of the brain produce distinct
electrical waveforms during various physical, mental, and emotional states
of consciousness. In the method of the invention, binaural beat audio wave
shapes are made to match such particular brain waves as they occur during
any mental physical, and emotional human condition of consciousness. Thus,
it is possible to convert waveforms from specific brain regions, as well
as complete brain surface electrical topography.
In the audio application of the invention, using sampled EEG waveforms from
a subject in specific states of consciousness and activity, mental and/or
physical, these waveforms are impressed upon multiple sets of sound
carrier waves within the human spectrum of hearing. Thus, the waveforms
translate into wave amplitude modulations of the carrier to effect what is
called a frequency following response, or FFR, as mentioned above.
Some description of the empirical procedure used in the course of
developing the invention will be useful. as background. In the 1970s,
testing was done on various subjects for effective EEG frequencies using
audio signals as a human stimulus. Such frequencies were replicated as
amplitude modulation of single-channel audio signals within human hearing
ranges, for use in sleep-inducing, attention-focusing, etc.
Where particular subjects responded especially well, those signals were
converted to binaural beat patterns. The binaural beat signals were
derived by first selecting frequencies of the single-channel audio signals
based on the well-known "Oersted Curve", named after the famous 19th
century physicist. Using this curve permitted selection of specific audio
frequencies to provide the greatest binaural beat frequencies at a much
lower range. The effectiveness of the tests were doubled as a result of
using binaural beat signals.
In the mid 1980s, EEG waveforms themselves were examined as produced by the
binaural signals employed. FFR and entrainment factors thought to be
responsible for success were verified. One of the results identified as
the probable cause of such effectiveness was the synchronization of the
brain hemispheres in such signal frequency ranges (i.e. the induced
signals were present simultaneously in major portions of both brain
hemispheres).
Experimentation expanded to different subjects in similar states of
consciousness. Isolation of EEG patterns in these states of consciousness,
and conversion of these patterns to binaural sound, with subsequent
reapplication of the binaural sounds produced significantly enhanced
results. The effect was especially apparent among naive subjects.
Recently, EEG neuromapping began of subjects with particular talents, where
those subjects could utilize those talents (e.g. playing a piano sonata,
or solving a mathematical equation) at a mental or visualization level. It
was possible to isolate the EEG waveforms related to utilization of those
talents, and to convert those waveforms to binaural sound. Subsequent
exposure of the subject to such patterns enhanced the individual's ability
to replicate the process. Exposing other subjects to the signals produced
a learned response through repetition.
Thus, the inventor believes that the inventive process, while not
necessarily creating a musician or a mathematician, will set up an EEG
ambiance in which learning will be facilitated.
Looking more closely now at the implementation and effects of the
invention, FIGS. 2A-2D show a phenomenon wherein an input brain wave
signal from a particular brain region is superimposed on stereo carrier
waves. FIG. 2D shows the resultant binaural beat wave which matches the
contour of the input wave.
The generation and propagation of the binaural beat may be understood from
the following series of equations, based on the following.
Taking the components from FIGS. 1A-1C, and scaling each component to an
appropriate factor (say, .alpha. and .beta.).
These components could be recombined to form a beat in accordance with the
original components. Linearity and orthogonality principles make these
manipulations possible. First, assign the measured wave to be the beat
frequency, x.
x=.alpha.-.beta.
From the beating waves discussed with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C:
##EQU2##
Now, let us alter the Fourier series f(x) to produce the beat in the shape
of the original wave, f'(x):
##EQU3##
From the foregoing, it can be seen readily that g(.alpha.) and h(.beta.)
have become two waves, each having half the amplitude of the original
wave, the combination of these waves producing a beat which is the input
shape f(x).
Thus, using two-channel stereo sound, it is possible to modulate two
separate sets of carrier waves so that the replicated EEG waveforms are
created as differential beat frequencies between the separate sets. Thus,
the method permits the direct application on a frequency base without
having to consider the limitation of the spectrum of human hearing. The
brain itself synthesizes the signals which cause the effect.
One example may be as follows. If a carrier frequency of 100 Hz were
employed in one channel of the audio signal, and a carrier frequency of
104 Hz were employed in the other channel, a binaural beat of 4 Hz would
result. In EEG waveform synthesis, as many as 100 separate carrier pairs
may be used or a single broadbanded carrier pair may be used to generate a
similar number of specific binaural beats that replicate the EEG waveforms
in both frequency and amplitude.
A 4 Hz, or a 5 Hz binaural beat would be too low in frequency to hear.
Using the Oersted curve mentioned above, the most effective harmonic
carrier would be 275 Hz, which is within hearing range. For the multiple
waveform situation just discussed, the differential between carrier waves
on a single channel also is utilized to produce an FFR.
One type of audio pattern found to be particularly useful in implementing
the inventive method is what is known to the inventor as Phased Pink
Sound. The full spectrum of audible sound is known commonly as "white"
noise. "Pink" sound is known to result from an adjustment in amplitude of
white sound to compensate for decline in perception by the human ear at
both ends of the audible spectrum.
Phased Pink Sound results from the relative rotational shifting of pink
sound from one stereo audio channel to another with cyclic changes in
amplitude, frequency, and rate of panning. Such changes generally are
synchronous with selected waveforms within the multiple patterns of the
binaural beat generating system. Studies have shown that using Phased Pink
Sound at a level at least 10 dB lower than the binaural beat signals
produces as much as a 30% enhancement in FFR within the EEG waveforms of
the listening individual. There is some basis for concluding that Phased
Pink Sound provides an audio base that assists the brain in "synthesizing"
the binaural beat frequencies normally inaudible in the human hearing
process.
Basically, Phased Pink Sound is generated by a digital processor, which
converts mathematical sequences, derived from appropriate algorithms, into
audible sound. Such digital processors and their operation are well-known
in the art, and so are not discussed here. Inherent in such a system is a
frequency sensor that synchronizes the phasing with dominant EEG waveforms
as those waveforms are introduced from another source.
Examples of suitable algorithms for implementing Phased Pink Sound are as
follows:
##SPC1##
Looking at some results of the inventive method, FIG. 3A shows the EEG of a
subject in a normal waking state. FIG. 3B shows an EEG of the individual
after listening to binaural beat sounds produced in accordance with the
invention. The Figure shows an FFR response in the 1.5, 4, and 6 Hz signal
range.
Likewise, FIG. 3C shows the EEG of a subject in a normal waking state, and
FIG. 3D shows an EEG of the individual after listening to other binaural
beat sounds produced in accordance with the invention. The Figure shows an
FFR response in the 2, 4, and 7 Hz signal range.
FIG. 3E shows the EEG of a subject in a normal waking state, and FIG. 3F
shows an EEG of the individual after listening to still other binaural
beat sounds produced in accordance with the invention. The Figure shows an
FFR response in the 0.5, 3, and 4 Hz signal range.
Finally, FIG. 3G shows the EEG of a subject in a normal waking state, and
FIG. 3h shows an EEG of the individual after listening to still other
binaural beat sounds produced in accordance with the invention. The Figure
shows FFR response to 1.5, 2, and 4 Hz signals in amplitude, by frequency.
FIGS. 4A-4C shows a typical contour map of a subject in a normal waking
state. It should be noted that the map shows a lack of continuity. Note
also the lack of significant amplitude patterns ranging between temporal
lobes, and the relative lack of intensity within the frontal area.
In contrast, FIGS. 4D-4F shows a contour map of the same individual after
listening to binaural beat sound in accordance with the invention. Note
the synchronization between hemispheres, and the high amplitude of
activity at the frontal portion of the brain. Note also how the left and
right hemisphere brain waves exhibit significantly higher amplitudes in
the frequencies found in the original sound stimulus.
The application of the binaural beat signals by headphones or other second
producing devices causes the following results:
1. When such audio signals are provided simultaneously with the state of
being itself, those specific states can be enhanced. The additional
pattern superposed upon the original provides a powerful setting to
maintain and/or expand the condition.
2. By recording the audio signals and playing them back, an individual may
return to an original or previously-experienced state of consciousness
whenever desired.
3. By listing to recordings of these audio signals, an original pattern or
condition induced in one individual may be replicated in other
individuals.
4. An individual can be trained, based on sufficient repetition of
application of these waveforms, to the point that the individual can
recall and replicate these waveforms themselves, without further outside
stimulation.
The method of the invention has applications in a number of different
areas, not the least of which is the inducement of a state of sleep. Other
areas of application include inducement of wakefulness of varying degrees;
focusing of attention; inducement of mental and physical relaxation;
enhancing intellectual performance in various mental disciplines such as
mathematics; enhancement of creativity; the reexperience of previous
activity; the acquisition of new abilities which others already have;
reinforcement and restoration of weak areas in the mind and body;
enhancement and strengthening of mental and/or muscular coordination; and
development of integration of entire brain function. Human beings have EEG
patterns which are unique to the various states of consciousness and
mental and/or physical activity just mentioned, so that the imposition of
the appropriate stereo audio signals on the desired EEG wave produces the
binaural beat which is necessary to induce the state.
While the invention has been described above in detail with reference to a
particular specific embodiment, various modifications within the spirit
and scope of the invention will be apparent to those of working skill in
this technological field. Thus, the invention should be considered as
limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
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